Abstract: A combination of a pullback adaptor and a drill bit includes a pullback adaptor having a first end, a second end, a body extending between the first end and the second end, and a protrusion extending from the body adjacent the second end. The protrusion has a threaded aperture defining an adaptor mounting axis, and the protrusion defines an annular planar mount surface generally perpendicular to the adapter mounting axis. A drill bit has a body with a steering surface, an aperture extending through the body at the steering surface, and an adaptor mount surface adjacent the aperture. The pullback adaptor is mounted to the drill bit with a fastener that extends through the aperture in the drill bit and into the threaded aperture of the pullback adaptor such that the annular planar mount surface of the protrusion engages the mount surface of the drill bit.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use with a horizontal directional drill string. A coupler at a proximal axial end is configured to attach the rotary drill bit to a drill head at a distal end of the drill string. A cutting portion at a distal axial end is provided with a plurality of vanes with respective cutters that operate to cut a hole in earth when the rotary drill bit is rotated about a central axis. The plurality of vanes project radially outwardly from a surface of the cutting portion such that the surface forms respective troughs circumferentially interspersed with the plurality of vanes. A plurality of engagement features is positioned axially within the cutting portion and radially inward of an outer cutting diameter to facilitate attachment of a product pullback device between the plurality of vanes without removing the rotary drill bit, or any portion thereof, from the drill head.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use with a horizontal directional drill string. A coupler at a proximal axial end is configured to attach the rotary drill bit to a drill head at a distal end of the drill string. A cutting portion at a distal axial end is provided with a plurality of vanes with respective cutters that operate to cut a hole in earth when the rotary drill bit is rotated about a central axis. The plurality of vanes project radially outwardly from a surface of the cutting portion such that the surface forms respective troughs circumferentially interspersed with the plurality of vanes. A plurality of engagement features is positioned axially within the cutting portion and radially inward of an outer cutting diameter to facilitate attachment of a product pullback device between the plurality of vanes without removing the rotary drill bit, or any portion thereof, from the drill head.

Abstract: A combination of a pullback adaptor and a drill bit includes a pullback adaptor having a first end, a second end, a body extending between the first end and the second end, and a protrusion extending from the body adjacent the second end. The protrusion has a threaded aperture defining an adaptor mounting axis, and the protrusion defines an annular planar mount surface generally perpendicular to the adapter mounting axis. A drill bit has a body with a steering surface, an aperture extending through the body at the steering surface, and an adaptor mount surface adjacent the aperture. The pullback adaptor is mounted to the drill bit with a fastener that extends through the aperture in the drill bit and into the threaded aperture of the pullback adaptor such that the annular planar mount surface of the protrusion engages the mount surface of the drill bit.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use with a horizontal directional drill string. A coupler at a proximal axial end is configured to attach the rotary drill bit to a drill head at a distal end of the drill string. A cutting portion at a distal axial end is provided with a plurality of vanes with respective cutters that operate to cut a hole in earth when the rotary drill bit is rotated about a central axis. The plurality of vanes project radially outwardly from a surface of the cutting portion such that the surface forms respective troughs circumferentially interspersed with the plurality of vanes. A plurality of engagement features is positioned axially within the cutting portion and radially inward of an outer cutting diameter to facilitate attachment of a product pullback device between the plurality of vanes without removing the rotary drill bit, or any portion thereof, from the drill head.

Abstract: A coupler for a drill rod includes a body defining an inner bore extending along a longitudinal axis, at least a portion of the inner bore defining a non-circular profile having a plurality of flats including a first pair of adjacent flats defining a vertex therebetween. A cross aperture of the body has a central axis that is perpendicular to and offset from the longitudinal axis. A radially-innermost portion of the cross aperture extends perpendicular to a reference line extending from the longitudinal axis to the vertex.

Abstract: A coupler for a drill rod includes a body defining an inner bore extending along a longitudinal axis, at least a portion of the inner bore defining a non-circular profile having a plurality of flats including a first pair of adjacent flats defining a vertex therebetween. A cross aperture of the body has a central axis that is perpendicular to and offset from the longitudinal axis. A radially-innermost portion of the cross aperture extends perpendicular to a reference line extending from the longitudinal axis to the vertex.